Lavallée says he kept his pub open all night on Nuit Blanche and the night was a success.

Coderre says some underground bars stay open after-hours anyway, so it makes sense for the city to try and harness some of that enthusiasm.

But some bar owners are opting out of the project.

"Staying here an extra two to three hours in the wee hours of the morning with clientele who've already been out late and drinking a lot — it's not the environment anyone would choose to be in," said Jeffrey Picard, who runs Brutopia Pub on Crescent Street.

He will continue to close his doors at 3 a.m.

Coderre says he understands some people may be worried about security, so a special committee has been set up.

"Everybody's working together — we will have an advisory board at the same time. We will collect data, we'll take care of security, make sure everything is appropriate and we'll pick it up from there."

Coderre says if the pilot project goes well it could be expanded into other areas of the city.